🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: S500 Year: 1995 Codes Chassis Code: W140 Generation Generation Designation: Second Generation (W140) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size Luxury Sedan Target Audience: Affluent consumers seeking premium comfort, advanced technology, and robust engineering. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ. Key Features Luxury: Opulent interior, superior ride quality, extensive comfort features. Technology: Advanced (for its time) features like dual-zone climate control, optional heated/ventilated seats, and early electronic driver aids. Engineering: Robust construction, refined powertrain, and Mercedes-Benz's reputation for build quality. Brand Heritage Heritage Contribution: Represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and luxury for the mid-1990s, continuing the lineage of the S-Class as the flagship model. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Overall Coverage: Comprehensive service and repair for the 1995 Mercedes-Benz S500 (W140). Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Manual (WSM) Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: M119 V8 engine (5.0L), including diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of all components. Transmission: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (722.3/722.4), including hydraulic and electronic control systems. Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive, driveshafts, differential, axle components. Suspension: Independent front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings. Steering: Hydraulic power steering system, steering column, steering gear. Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications. Electrical: Complete electrical system, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams. Climate Control: Automatic climate control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), A/C system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant. Body: Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, seals, body repair procedures. Comfort Features: Power seats, power windows, central locking, cruise control, seat heating/cooling. Diagnostics: On-board diagnostics (OBD-I), fault codes, troubleshooting flowcharts. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting. Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems and components. Rebuild: Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhaul. Diagnostics And Testing: Procedures for testing sensors, actuators, and control modules. Technical Depth Depth: Highly detailed, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electronic system diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text for quick information retrieval. Print Quality Resolution: High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M119.970 Configuration: 4.966L (303 cu in) 32-valve SOHC V8 Performance Horsepower: 322 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 354 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic M2.8.3 Fuel Injection Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher) Cooling System Coolant Capacity: Approximately 10.5 liters (11.1 US qts) Lubrication Oil Capacity: Approximately 8.0 liters (8.5 US qts) with filter Recommended Oil Viscosity: SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific MB-approval) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed Automatic (722.370 / 722.401) Features Gear Selection: Comfort and Sport modes (select models) Fluid Capacity Fluid Capacity: Approximately 8.5 liters (9.0 US qts) for initial fill (service fill may vary) Fluid Specification Fluid Type: Mercedes-Benz Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Specification 236.6 or equivalent 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 5163 mm (203.3 in) Width: 1886 mm (74.3 in) Height: 1487 mm (58.5 in) Wheelbase Wheelbase: 3139 mm (123.6 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 1980 kg (4365 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: Not widely available from independent agencies for this specific model year; based on Mercedes-Benz's robust engineering and safety philosophy of the era. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags. Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with front pretensioners. Body Structure: High-strength steel body structure, energy-absorbing crumple zones. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Traction Control: Optional ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) traction control system. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory premium audio system (e.g., Becker or Bose options) with cassette and FM/AM radio. Navigation: Optional factory navigation system ( ছিল primitive by modern standards). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control. Parking Assistance: Rear parking assist sensors (optional on some models). Connectivity Cellular Integration: Optional integrated car phone system. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for precise intervals). Transmission Fluid Change: Recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles (check manual for specific interval and filter change). Coolant Change: Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles. Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (confirm specific type and MB approval). Power Steering Fluid: Mercedes-Benz Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11 S (verify specific requirement). Known Issues Wiring Harness: Potential degradation of the engine wiring harness insulation (biodegradable insulation). Coolant Leaks: Common leak points include hose connections, thermostat housing, and water pump. Climate Control Module: Failure of the...
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems and components.
Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhaul.
Diagnostics And Testing:
Procedures for testing sensors, actuators, and control modules.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Highly detailed, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electronic system diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text for quick information retrieval.
Print Quality
Resolution:
High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M119.970
Configuration:
4.966L (303 cu in) 32-valve SOHC V8
Performance
Horsepower:
322 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
354 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M2.8.3 Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Cooling System
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 10.5 liters (11.1 US qts)
Lubrication
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 liters (8.5 US qts) with filter
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific MB-approval)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (722.370 / 722.401)
Features
Gear Selection:
Comfort and Sport modes (select models)
Fluid Capacity
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 liters (9.0 US qts) for initial fill (service fill may vary)
Fluid Specification
Fluid Type:
Mercedes-Benz Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Specification 236.6 or equivalent
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
5163 mm (203.3 in)
Width:
1886 mm (74.3 in)
Height:
1487 mm (58.5 in)
Wheelbase
Wheelbase:
3139 mm (123.6 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1980 kg (4365 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
Not widely available from independent agencies for this specific model year; based on Mercedes-Benz's robust engineering and safety philosophy of the era.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with front pretensioners.
Body Structure:
High-strength steel body structure, energy-absorbing crumple zones.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) traction control system.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system (e.g., Becker or Bose options) with cassette and FM/AM radio.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system ( ছিল primitive by modern standards).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking assist sensors (optional on some models).
Connectivity
Cellular Integration:
Optional integrated car phone system.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for precise intervals).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles (check manual for specific interval and filter change).
Coolant Change:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (confirm specific type and MB approval).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercedes-Benz Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11 S (verify specific requirement).
Known Issues
Wiring Harness:
Potential degradation of the engine wiring harness insulation (biodegradable insulation).
Coolant Leaks:
Common leak points include hose connections, thermostat housing, and water pump.
Climate Control Module:
Failure of the climate control unit or blower motor resistor.
Door Lock Actuators:
Vacuum-operated door lock system can experience actuator failures.
Suspension Components:
Wear on bushings and ball joints, especially after high mileage.
📚 Vehicle History
Model Evolution
W140 Introduction:
The W140 generation was introduced in 1991 as a replacement for the W126 S-Class, setting new benchmarks for automotive luxury, technology, and safety.
W140 Significance:
Known for its substantial size, advanced features (like dual-pane windows for noise reduction), and sophisticated engineering, it was a bold statement of automotive luxury.
Production
Production Years:
1991-1998 (W140 chassis)
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (Sindelfingen plant)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Luxury Benchmark:
Widely regarded as a benchmark for luxury and engineering during its production run, influencing subsequent luxury sedan designs.
Sales Performance:
Strong global sales, particularly in the luxury segment, solidifying its status as a premium offering.